“Make tourism affordable for common man,” says Indian minister

India’s Minister for Tourism & Culture, Dr Mahesh Sharma, has said that domestic tourism in the country “should be made affordable for the common man”.

Addressing a consultative committee set up by the ministry, Dr Sharma said that tourism in India should not just be “the sole prerogative of the rich”.

“It should be made affordable for the domestic tourist also who desires to take his or her old parents for a pilgrimage,” he added.

The committee, which met in Delhi recently, was also shown presentations on the workings of the ministry, as well as being given an overview of the country’s tourism sector and how it can contribute to the Indian economy.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is placing a greater focus on its tourism industry, including the development of infrastructure and pilgrimage circuits.